Powering Peterborough: A First Look Inside the Centre for Green Technology at the Peterborough Business Forum

March 18, 2025

On 26 March, in a landmark event set to redefine skills development in the region, business leaders, educators, and industry experts will gather at Peterborough College for the Peterborough Business Forum. Hosted by the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, this event will provide an exclusive sneak peek inside the state-of-the-art Centre for Green Technology, a cutting-edge facility designed to equip the workforce with the skills needed for a sustainable future.

Bridging the Skills Gap in Green Industries

A core theme of the forum will be business collaboration to address skills shortages, ensuring that training aligns with employer demands—particularly in green infrastructure and sustainability sectors. The event supports the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), led by the Chamber, which is shaping the future workforce of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The UK government has committed to creating over 250,000 green jobs by 2030, with a strong focus on roles in renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable construction. The skills developed at the Centre for Green Technology will directly contribute to meeting this growing demand. By 2030, the green economy is expected to support over 2 million jobs, with the need for skilled workers becoming more critical than ever.

A First Look at a Milestone in Sustainable Education

The Centre for Green Technology, developed by Inspire Education Group (IEG) at Peterborough College, represents a multi-million-pound investment in the region’s workforce. With funding from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Peterborough City Council, the Centre will provide specialist training in green technologies, construction, and infrastructure, directly supporting large-scale projects, including those led by Anglian Water.

This exclusive preview comes ahead of the Centre’s official opening, giving attendees a first look at the cutting-edge facilities that will shape the region’s future workforce. The investment aligns with IEG’s Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to educational excellence and innovation. The Centre will be a key hub for upskilling the next generation of workers, ensuring that local businesses can meet sustainability targets and infrastructure demands.

As part of the UK’s commitment to a clean growth strategy, the government aims to create over 250,000 green jobs across the country by 2030, aligning with the Centre for Green Technology’s vision of developing a skilled workforce in green infrastructure and technology.

Driving Business Engagement Through LSIP

With its leadership on the LSIP, the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce is ensuring that regional businesses can access and influence the skills pipeline. The Peterborough Business Forum will serve as a vital opportunity for businesses to engage with educators, discuss workforce challenges, and explore new collaboration opportunities.

Voices from the Leadership

Speaking ahead of the event, Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The launch of the Centre for Green Technology is a pivotal moment for our region’s workforce and economy. Sustainability and green technology are shaping the future of major infrastructure projects, and having a skilled local workforce is essential. The Peterborough Business Forum will give businesses direct access to training providers, ensuring they have a say in how we develop these crucial skills. At least a third of jobs will be impacted by green and sustainability initiatives, making this investment more important than ever.”

Rachel Nicholls, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of IEG, added:

“We are proud to welcome the first visitors to the Centre for Green Technology as part of the Peterborough Business Forum. This facility is a major investment in the region’s future, equipping students, apprentices, and local businesses with the skills to drive a low-carbon economy. With a curriculum covering modern construction methods, alternative heat sources, and EV technology, we’re ensuring the workforce is ready for high-growth industries.”

Be Among the First to Experience the Centre for Green Technology

On 26 March, the Peterborough Business Forum at the Centre for Green Technology will bring together businesses, training providers, and key stakeholders eager to shape the region’s future workforce. This is a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and experience a facility that will play a defining role in skills development—before it officially opens to the public.

To book your place, use the following link: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/peterborough-business-forum/